WASHINGTON – Senate lawmakers today advanced a bill, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), that addresses the harms caused by ultra-processed food, or UPF.
S. 5026, the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act, would require a disclosure on front of the package of food that’s UPF. The bill cleared the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today, advancing the bill to the full Senate.
The following is a statement from the Environmental Working Group’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Scott Faber.
Defining UPF and requiring a front-of-package disclosure is long overdue.
Diets high in UPF are a driver of chronic disease, linked to everything from diabetes to depression to dementia. The United States leads the world in UPF consumption, and kids now get more than 60% of their calories from these foods.
We applaud senators for advancing legislation to help consumers identify and avoid UPF.
For more information about UPF, visit: https://www.ewg.org/areas-focus/food-water/ultra-processed-foods
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
